Minds On
What is a journal entry?

Life is full of interesting moments. Think of special times in your life where you may have seen, heard or experienced something that you didn’t want to forget.
Brainstorm
Sharing memories
Journals can be used in many different ways. For this learning activity, we will focus on using our journal as a way to recount personal memories in our lives, whether they be big or small. We can go back to our journals, even years from now, and return to those special times in our lives. Use the following chart to brainstorm memories in your life that you may like to write or talk about. Your journal can be a written one, or you may choose to make an audio journal instead.
Complete the Brainstorm T-Chart in your notebook or use the following fillable and printable document to help you choose topics.
Topic | Memory |
---|---|
Example: Fun times with my friends | Example: Yesterday’s outdoor recess at school |
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access the Brainstorm T-Chart.
Parts of a journal entry
There are a few things that are important when you are creating this style of journal entry. Look at the example below for what to include in yours.
Action
Planning your journal entry
It may be hard to choose just one memory to write or talk about, but you can always return to your journal to recount all of those other special memories at another time. Many people add an entry in their journals every day!
Getting organized
We need to organize our thoughts before we begin. Close your eyes. Imagine you are returning to the exact time that you want to talk about. Try to use all of your senses.
Remember to organize your thoughts using the past tense only.
Use the Journal Entry Planner in your notebook or use the following fillable and printable document to help you to organize your thoughts.
I heard
I smelled
I felt
I observed
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access the Journal Entry Planner.
Consolidation
Creating your journal entry
Writing
As you begin your journal entry, you may want to add other important details that you forgot to include in your planner.
Student Tips
Spelling tips and tricks
Many writers may have just the right word they want to use but are not sure how to spell or pronounce the word. Don’t let that stop you from using that perfect word! For now, you could simply give it a go, or use a strategy you know to help you. Think of some of the strategies you use to spell or sound out an unknown word.
(e.g., cat – mat – that).
Editing
All good writers read their writing over and over to see if they can make it even better! Enjoy taking the time to return to this piece of writing to remind you of a special memory in your life.
Complete the Editing Checklist in your notebook or use the following fillable and printable document to review your work.
Editing Checklist
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access the Editing Checklist.
Reflection
How do you feel about what you have learned in this activity? Which of the next four sentences best matches how you are feeling about your learning? Press the button that is beside this sentence.
I feel...
Now, record your ideas about your feelings using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.